SỞ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO TỈNH QUẢNG NINH TRƯỜNG THPT CHUYÊN HẠ LONG

Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 1 to 8.
The arrival of a major cruise liner in Hạ Long on January 1 marked a buoyant start to the 2026 cruise tourism season in Quảng Ninh Province, with thousands of overseas visitors stepping ashore on the first morning of the year. More than 3,000 international tourists aboard the Malta-flagged Celebrity Solstice docked at Hạ Long International Cruise Port, ushering in the New Year and opening the peak season for cruise tourism.

The Party Secretary of Quảng Ninh Province, together with leaders of the provincial Department of
Culture, Sports and Tourism, attended a welcoming ceremony and presented flowers to the visitors. The event created a cordial and welcoming environment to begin the year. Many tourists expressed admiration for the hospitality and said they were impressed by the province’s efforts to welcome international guests.
A visitor from Spain described his experience as a memorable start to 2026, highlighting the
breathtaking scenery of Hạ Long Bay, fresh air, and favorable climatic conditions. He praised Vietnam as a beautiful country with friendly people and distinctive cuisine. Visitors from Mexico also appreciated the bay’s remarkable natural beauty and noted that their stay had left lasting memories. During their two-day visit, tourists were scheduled to explore key attractions, including the Quảng Ninh Museum, Hạ Long Bay, and Yên Đức rural village. Some groups planned to continue travelling to other northern provinces, such as Hà Nội and Ninh Bình.

The Celebrity Solstice sails on a regional itinerary linking Thailand, Phú Mỹ, Chân Mây, Hạ Long,
and Hong Kong, accommodating passengers from Europe, the United States, and Asia. With a modern port system, abundant natural and cultural resources, and a strategic location on major maritime routes, Quảng Ninh is regarded as an appealing destination for both domestic and international cruise tourism. Cruise tourism is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting local culture, stimulating economic growth, and supporting sustainable tourism development in the province.

(Adapted from https://www.vietnamnews.vn)

Read the following piece of news and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 9 to 14.

Endangered Penguin Species

Penguins are the second-most threatened bird group worldwide due to climate change, overfishing, diseases, and habitat destruction. The (9) ____________ of penguins in the Southern Hemisphere is declining rapidly. African and Galápagos penguins are found north of the equator. Flightless penguins have evolved strong, dense bodies and waterproof feathers, allowing them (10) ____________ underwater and survive freezing waters. Their strong feet help them walk long distances on ice and swim (11) ____________.
Penguins (12) ____________ a significant effect on marine biodiversity. Nine out of 18 penguin
species have been deemed endangered and vulnerable due to warming oceans, pollution, and overfishing, while African penguins’ populations have declined by 70%. Over 90% of Emperor Penguins could be wiped out by 2100, caused by the rapid melting of sea ice, (13) ____________ is classified as one of the most serious threats to their survival. Conservation measures are continuously (14) ____________ to protect these charismatic aquatic birds and their habitats.

(Adapted from https://earth.org/biodiversity)

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or
sentences to make a cohesive and coherent exchange or text in each of the following questions from 15 to 19.